Infant clinging to life after Abuse from
father in Wentzville apartment

WENTZVILLE, MO  –  Investigators gave an update Monday on a horrific case of child abuse in St. Charles County that left a baby boy in critical condition.  We’re told it is one of the worst child abuse cases Wentzville police have ever seen.

Police say this all started last week when Robert Burnette couldn’t deal with the crying from his 6-week-old baby.  He decided to shove his fingers down the baby’s throat to stop the crying.  St. Charles County investigators also say the child’s mother, Megan Hendricks, stood by and watched the whole thing in their Wentzville apartment.

Court documents say Burnette threw the baby onto a bed shook him and picked him up by the back the neck.  A roommate also saw the abuse but has not been charged.

The baby, identified as J.B., is in critical condition at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital with broken bones, liver contusions, and bleeding on the brain.  While his recovery chances are low, if he survives, he will have lifelong physical and mental disabilities.

Both parents are facing, neglect and causing serious emotional or physical injury.  The father is being held on a $500,000 cash only bond.  The mother’s bond is set at $250,000.